Sure, but keep in mind that the meeting with South Africa’s Minister of Prisons will reap dividends for the US for years to come (plus I heard she brought back some fat cakes & fries for us to watch her eat while we’re choking down our Let’s Move-mandated spinach).

While her husband continues to battle a flagging economy at home [and golf -- DP], Michelle Obama’s ‘goodwill tour’ of Africa cost taxpayers an estimated $800,000, it has emerged.

According to Whitehousedossier.com the First Lady’s trip to South Africa and Botswana last week will certainly cost well over half a million dollars and could be as much as $800,000.

The cost of local transportation, Secret Service protection, food for her family and staff members, the cost of firing up ‘Air Force 2′ not to mention the pre-trip preparations would all have contributed to the final amount.

Hey, it was a small price to pay to go to Africa and meet with Oprah. Otherwise Michelle would have had to go all the way to Chicago to see her. Oh, wait…

But the good news is that FLOTUS, even though she gave taxpayers a bill for over a half million dollars, opted for “affordable fashion.” At least something was affordable.